{"id":39699,"date":"2021-07-01T13:29:11","date_gmt":"2021-07-01T10:29:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eagleray.gr\/andros\/"},"modified":"2026-03-27T14:27:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T12:27:10","slug":"andros","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eagleray.gr\/en\/andros\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00c1ndros"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Bay and harbour of \u00c1ndros (K\u00e1stro), from N<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
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According to mythology, the island was named after \u00c1ndro<\/strong>, son of \u00c1nios, who was a son to god Apollo. However, there is another theory, supported by the ancient Di\u00f3doros of Sicily, that the island was named after the general \u00c1ndro of King of Crete Rad\u00e1manthy. \u00c1ndros was also known in antiquity as Ydro\u00fasa, Las\u00eda, Nonagr\u00eda and Epagr\u00eds, all these names due to its rich vegetation and the many rivers, streams and fountains.<\/p>\n\n

\u00c1ndros is continuously inhabited since 4000 BC<\/strong>. Excavations brought to light many types of vases, several tools and chambers \/ houses from different tribes: K\u00e1res, Phoenicians and later Minoans, Pelasgo\u00ed and last \u00cdones.<\/p>\n\n

Due to its geographical location,<\/strong> \u00c1ndros in antiquity was one of the largest and most important nautical and commercial centres of Greece, connecting the Minoan Crete with the cities of mainland Hellas.<\/p>\n\n

During the Hellenic \u2013 Persian Wars<\/strong>, the islanders were on the side of the Persians. Thus, when in 480 BC. the Persians lost the War and withdrew from Greece, the Athenians decided to teach a lesson to \u00c1ndros. The \u201ceducation\u201d was unsuccessful as the walls protecting the city of \u00c1ndros proved quite difficult to conquer. Two years later, what the arms did not complete, diplomacy did. \u00c1ndros entered the Alliance of D\u00edlos, which was part of the Athenian Principality. The island was conquered by the Spartans during the Peloponnesian War in 411 BC.<\/p>\n\n

In the Byzantine years<\/strong>, \u00c1ndros city was among the first to embrace Christianity. As the island was very conveniently placed near the sailing routes to Constantinople, a Customs station was built in \u00c1ndros. Further to that, the island grew stronger and richer, building a large fleet.<\/p>\n\n

When the Franks conquered Constantinople<\/strong> in 1204 BC, the dominance of \u00c1ndros passed on Venetian hands. In 1537 AD, the Ottomans lead by admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa, conquered \u00c1ndros and tried several times in the following years to islamise the inhabitants. \u00c1ndros was freed in 1825, during the Helenic Wars of Independence.<\/p>\n\n

There are several interesting museums <\/strong>in the city of \u00c1ndros, all of them worth visiting. Also, visit the castle on the beach of the capital city. Another sight is Zag\u00f3ra, on the plateau with the same name located in western \u00c1ndros. According to archaeologists, it is an ancient city from the Geometrical Era.<\/p>\n\n

The island is blessed with incredible sandy beaches<\/strong>, very many in number. Every twist of the coastline includes one more beach. Because the island is windy almost throughout the year, it is better to moor safely wherever you find berth and then drive around the island with a rental car, which \u2026wiggles a lot less with the wind.<\/p>\n\n

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Bay and harbour of G\u00e1vrio, from NW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
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Sights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Chora (Kastro)<\/strong>The capital of Andros is one of the most elegant and atmospheric towns in the Cyclades, built on a narrow peninsula and distinguished by its fine Neoclassical mansions, stone lanes and strong maritime identity. A walk through Chora explains at once why Andros is known as an island of captains, shipowners and refinement.<\/p>\n\n

The Venetian Castle of Chora<\/strong>Built in the 13th century during the Frankish period, the castle remains the most recognisable landmark of the town. Standing on the rocky tip of the peninsula, it recalls the centuries when Andros stood exposed to pirates, fleets and the shifting powers of the Aegean.<\/p>\n\n

The Museums of Chora<\/strong>Chora offers an unusually rich cultural experience for a Cycladic island, with its Archaeological Museum, Museum of Modern Art and Nautical Museum. Together they present the island\u2019s ancient past, its artistic sensibility and its deep-rooted maritime tradition.<\/p>\n\n

Panagia Palatiani<\/strong>This historic 13th-century church is one of the most interesting ecclesiastical monuments in Chora. Its age, architectural grace and beautiful icon screen make it a rewarding stop within the old town.<\/p>\n\n

Gavrio and the beaches of Agios Petros and Chrissi Ammos<\/strong>Gavrio, the island\u2019s main port in modern times, is today the lively gateway to Andros. Just a short distance away lie two of the island\u2019s finest beaches, Agios Petros and Chrissi Ammos, both well known for their attractive setting and easy access.<\/p>\n\n

Batsi<\/strong>Batsi is a modern seaside settlement built around a lovely bay and a sandy beach, and it draws much of the island\u2019s summer activity. It combines convenience, pleasant scenery and a relaxed holiday atmosphere, while the church of Saint Philip is also worth visiting.<\/p>\n\n

Korthi<\/strong>Korthi, with roots reaching back to the Frankish era, offers a quieter and more authentic side of Andros. In addition to the settlement itself, the Folklore Museum gives visitors a good introduction to local life and tradition.<\/p>\n\n

Monastery of Panachrantos<\/strong>Set in a dramatic position on the slopes of Mount Gerakonas, the Monastery of Panachrantos is one of the island\u2019s most important Byzantine religious sites. Its setting, history and spiritual presence make it one of the most meaningful inland visits on Andros.<\/p>\n\n

Messaria and the church of Taxiarchon<\/strong>Messaria was an important centre of the island during Byzantine times and still retains something of that historic weight. The 12th-century church of Taxiarchon is one of the key Byzantine monuments of Andros and fully deserves a visit.<\/p>\n\n

Apoikia and the Sariza spring<\/strong>Apoikia is one of the greenest and coolest villages on the island, surrounded by trees and flowing water. It is famous for the Sariza spring, long associated with the island\u2019s reputation for abundant and excellent water.<\/p>\n\n

Dipotamata and the watermills<\/strong>In the area of Asineti, the Dipotamata valley with its old watermills forms one of the most distinctive landscapes of Andros. Walking among streams, stone buildings and rich vegetation reveals a lush side of the island that surprises many visitors to the Cyclades.<\/p>\n\n

Palaiopolis<\/strong>Palaiopolis was the ancient capital of Andros and remains one of the island\u2019s most important archaeological sites. Remains of an ancient quay survive by the shore, while many finds from the area are now displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Chora.<\/p>\n\n

Stenies<\/strong>Stenies is closely linked with the island\u2019s maritime history and with some of its best-known families of captains and shipowners. The village has a distinctly aristocratic air, expressed in its large houses and sense of former prosperity.<\/p>\n\n

The Cave of Aladino (Foros)<\/strong>The cave at Aladino is one of the island\u2019s notable natural attractions, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. It adds a geological and adventurous dimension to the exploration of Andros.<\/p>\n\n

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Flavours<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Fourtalia<\/strong>The best-known flavour of Andros is fourtalia, a rich omelette made with eggs, potatoes, local sausages and often smoked pork. It is a dish deeply rooted in the rural life of the island and perfectly expresses the generous spirit of Andriot cooking.<\/p>\n\n

Local sausages and smoked pork<\/strong>The cured meats of Andros bring depth and character to many traditional dishes, most famously to fourtalia. Their robust flavour makes them ideal both as part of a meal and as meze alongside local wine.<\/p>\n\n

Andros cheese pies<\/strong>The island\u2019s cheese pies are among its most beloved traditional savouries. With crisp pastry and a rich filling, they appear both as a welcoming treat and as part of a fuller island table.<\/p>\n\n

Local wine<\/strong>Andros has been known for its wine since antiquity, and the tradition remains alive today. A glass of local wine pairs beautifully with the island\u2019s hearty dishes and brings the taste of the landscape straight to the table.<\/p>\n\n

Almond sweets<\/strong>The almond sweets of Andros are among the island\u2019s most elegant and memorable desserts, delicate in texture and fragrant in flavour. They are a classic offering with coffee and a familiar part of festive hospitality.<\/p>\n\n

Candied fruit preserves<\/strong>Fruit preserves are a staple of Andriot hospitality and reflect the island\u2019s domestic culinary tradition at its sweetest. Made from seasonal produce, they offer a simple but deeply authentic finish to a meal.<\/p>\n\n

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According to mythology, the island was named after \u00c1ndro, son of \u00c1nios, who was a son to god Apollo. However, there is another theory, supported by the ancient Di\u00f3doros of Sicily, that the island was named after the general \u00c1ndro of King of Crete Rad\u00e1manthy. \u00c1ndros was also known in antiquity as Ydro\u00fasa, Las\u00eda, Nonagr\u00eda…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":39691,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[591],"tags":[623,452],"class_list":["post-39699","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-islands-of-andros-tinos","tag-andros","tag-history","category-591","description-off"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eagleray.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39699","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eagleray.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eagleray.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eagleray.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eagleray.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39699"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/eagleray.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39699\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42599,"href":"https:\/\/eagleray.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39699\/revisions\/42599"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eagleray.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39691"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eagleray.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39699"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eagleray.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39699"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eagleray.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39699"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}